Let’s talk about an aspect of care that is frequently overlooked in pelvic health:
“Prehabilitation”, or “prehab”. Defined as a “process of improving functional capability of a patient PRIOR to a surgical procedure so that the patient can withstand postoperative inactivity and possible associate decline.” (The American College of Surgeons).
Prehabilitation can:
- Help you get to a better place physically before an operation
- Educate you and teach you ways to move and protect in the early post-op days
- Provide you with exercise to assist in safe early movement and activity
- Help with post-op pain techniques and positions to lessen pain
- Prepare for the post-op rehab process and alleviate fear of “what if it doesn’t work”
If you know of someone who has had a total joint replacement or other orthopedic surgery, they have likely attended therapy pre-operatively to begin to prepare for the post-op retraining.
Sounds like a good idea, doesn’t it? So why in the world are we not doing the same for individuals undergoing pelvic floor, prostate, and abdominal surgeries? At Embody Physiotherapy, we are! Pelvic floor physical therapy is helpful before and after surgeries such as:
- Hysterectomy
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse repair including cystocele, rectocele, enterocele, urethrocele, anal and rectal prolapse
- Mesh excision
- C-Section
- Diastasis and hernia repairs
- Pelvic floor tearing at childbirth
- Prostatectomy
- Vestibulectomy
Before surgery, we can assist you with techniques to address constipation related to the procedure and pain medications, pain and postures associated with the surgery, how to begin to address possible bladder control problems (both leakage and difficulty voiding) and questions you have regarding expectations. After surgery we go through an in-depth history, review your symptoms what is changed or unchanged with your surgery, and go through a thorough physical exam. We discuss the findings create a plan to help you meet your goals for movement, strength and function.
We understand the concerns that you have regarding your diagnosis, recovery and return to full activity.
We understand the frustration that you feel if after surgery you experience new or different symptoms such as bladder frequency or leakage, constipation and pain.
At Embody Physiotherapy, our goals are to help YOU reach your goals, to help you resolve the surgical concerns, and help you move, function and live the way you want to.
If you would like to learn more about the ways that Embody Physiotherapy can help you before surgery, after, or at any point in your life to move and live with confidence in your body, schedule a free consultation or contact us to learn more.